Field Level Media
Jan 28, 2024
Paolo Banchero scored 26 points and the host Orlando Magic overcame a 44-point performance by Devin Booker to record a 113-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.
Moritz Wagner collected 16 points and 12 rebounds and Markelle Fultz had 14 points and five steals for the Magic, who outscored the Suns by a 31-13 margin in the fourth quarter.
Booker followed up his 62-point performance in the Suns' 133-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday by making 17 of 26 shots from the floor. The three-time All-Star has scored 152 points over his past three games on 56-for-86 shooting from the floor and 13-for-24 shooting from 3-point range.
Kevin Durant scored 15 points but committed seven of the Suns' 23 turnovers. Phoenix's sloppy play overshadowed its sizzling 56.2 percent shooting from the floor. As a result, the Suns dropped their second straight decision on the heels of a season-high-tying seven-game winning streak.
Bradley Beal collected nine points and six assists while wearing a mask to protect a nasal fracture.
Jusuf Nurkic sat out with a sprained left thumb, however, Phoenix coach Frank Vogel said he could play in Monday's game against the host Miami Heat if his swelling subsides.
Durant drained a long jumper to stake Phoenix to a 92-89 lead early in the fourth quarter before Wagner scored seven points as part of Orlando's 21-2 run. Franz Wagner joined Jonathan Isaac by each making a 3-pointer and two free throws, while Banchero's dunk capped the surge to give the Magic a 110-94 advantage.
Fultz drained a midrange jumper to bring Orlando to within one at 21-20 before Phoenix went on a 16-6 run to end the first quarter. Eric Gordon sank a 3-pointer and midrange jumper as part of that surge.
The Magic trimmed their deficit to three points before Booker made a layup just before the buzzer to give the Suns a 56-51 lead at halftime.
--Field Level Media